DOROTHY L. JOHNSON (NOLKE)
Johnson
Dorothy L. Johnson (Nolke), 83, of Independence, MO, passed away on April 11, 2024.
Visitation will be held from 2-5 pm on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at the McGilley & Sheil Chapel with Rosary recited at 3:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m Monday, April 29, 2024 at Nativity of Mary Church, 1001 E. 40 HWY Independence, MO. Following the Mass, the burial will be held at 2:00 p.m in Higginsville Veteran Cemetery, where Dorothy will take her final resting place beside her beloved husband, Ken.
Dorothy was born August 22, 1940 in Aholt, MO to Henry and Leona Nolke, who settled in Carrollton, MO. A few years after graduating from Carrollton High School, Dorothy fell in love with Kenneth F. Johnson, and the pair began their beautiful journey of marriage on June 3, 1961.
They lived in the Kansas City, MO area from 19611973, during which time they were blessed with two sons, Gary and Patrick. In 1973, Ken’s job relocated the family to Independence, KS.
There, they lived on a 10 acre piece of land and together, they made the most out of everything the land had to offer. The family had a spacious garden, a large blackberry patch, a milk cow, cattle and pigs. Anyone who came to visit during the summer will forever remember the neighbors’ peacocks. At one time, the farm became home to 300 chickens after Dorothy agreed to take them off of a neighbor’s hands (that was a fun surprise for Ken to wake up to one afternoon; with a chuckle and a smile, Ken said, “Well we had better go clean out the coop!”). It was such a special place, with so many happy memories. Dorothy and her family later moved to Joplin from 1984 1988 and finally to her home here in Independence, MO, creating many more joyous memories.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth F. Johnson; parents Henry & Leona Nolke and brother George Nolke. Dorothy is survived by her two sons, Gary W. Johnson (Mary P.) of Kansas City, MO and Patrick A. Johnson (Kristan A. Bina) of Austin, TX; her two grandchildren, Polly Johnson (Chris Grisafe-Pont) of Kansas City, MO and Seth Johnson of Austin, TX; brothers and sisters, Barbara Dysart (Charles), Joseph Nolke (Elaine), Karen Cooper (Jerry), Ron Nolke (Vicki), Dwayne Nolke (Debbie), and David Nolke (Donna) and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Dorothy was a strong, fiery, compassionate woman. Anyone who had the pleasure of getting to know her, or of hearing her stories, couldn’t help but listen with rapt attention and hope to hear more. She was strong in her faith and was exceptionally talented (quilting and baking being just two of her many artful skills). But perhaps one of the most beautiful things about Dorothy was her warmheartedness towards everyone and her fierce devotion to her loved ones. To the very end, she was unfailingly kind.
Family suggests memorial contributions to Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St Joseph or Wreaths Across America. Online condolences to www.mcgilleysheil.com. Arrangements: McGilley & Sheil Chapel, 816-353-6555.